Local Beaches
Chesil Cove (Large pebbles; steeply sloping; water deepens quickly; some strong tides)
This is the beach that is closest to Westcliff, and can be reached by turning left out of the drive and following the road to the end. A cliff path will take you down to the sea wall, where the beach can be accessed by steps. The most sheltered area is between the new café and the rocks to the left. For swimmers the tidal pull is less strong here.
The beach is popular with locals, and provides launching for small water- craft. Scuba diving groups often gather on this beach, before submerging to explore the waters and wrecks in the area. Beach fishing is common when the tides are right, and competitions often occur in the summer months.
The water gets deep and cold quite quickly, and has little protection from the affects of the ocean. Swimmers must be mindful of the prevailing conditions, however if you do venture in take a snorkel and mask to appreciate the marine life that congregates close to the rocky outcrops.
The Cove House Inn and Quiddles Café are only a few hundred metres away situated on the sea wall, and provide food and refreshments.
Castle Cove (Fine sand; gently sloping; water deepens gradually, warm pools with immature marine life at low tide.)
This beach is close to Westcliff. After leaving Portland travel in the direction of Weymouth. Turn right at Old Castle Road, as the road begins to climb after the initial descent, look for the public footpath sign on the left. Follow the footpath to the steep steps leading to the beach (about 200 metres).This beach is popular with locals, and some dinghy sailors. Depending on tidal conditions it can be partially covered by sea- weed up to the high water mark. If you come to Castle Cove you will be rewarded with fine sand, warmer sea and panoramic views of the harbour area and Portland itself. There is little in the way of commercialism, so come prepared, but is a welcome respite from the busy town beach. A small beach cafe selling food, drinks and ice creams opened in 2010. This is an ideal beach for use by families with small and young children.
Weymouth Town Beach (Very fine sand; safe wide beach; gently sloping; water deepens very gradually)
The main beach in Weymouth is ideal for younger children with great opportunities for bucket and spade fun! The sandy area is located between the Jubilee clock and Pavilion Theatre. To the rear is the Esplanade that houses amusement arcades, ice cream vendors and places to eat and drink. The main shopping area of Weymouth is only a few streets behind. There are many traditional beach entertainments such as Punch and Judy, trampolines, sand sculptures, pedaloes and kayaks. In early and late summer there are often organised events like the kite festival or beach moto-cross. In mid summer the beach volleyball events are often held here. On each Monday night in August the town council hosts a free firework display. The beach area provides an ideal vantage point to take in the spectacular displays.
Eastwards from the Jubilee clock the fine sand gradually turns into small pebbles. This area may be preferred by those who wish to keep the sand on the beach and not in their clothes! This area is known as Greenhill, and is a popular area for safe swimming. In summer there are often rafts moored just off-shore, that are an easy swim away.
Ringstead Beach (Shingle and some coarse sand; gently sloping; water deepens gradually)
This beach can only be reached by car, and is on the far side of Weymouth Bay. The views do reward the adventurous however. Leave Weymouth behind and travel in the direction of Wareham on the A353. After the village of Osmington turn right off the A353 following the signs for Ringstead. A narrow road takes you down to the pay and display car park. There is a shop and café, with toilet facilities. At the rear of the beach is part of the South West coast path, an behind that the rugged cliffs of White Nothe.
Durdle Door (Two fine shingle beaches, a lagoon on one side and a beach with the famous door on the other.)
Durdle Door offers a choice of two beaches. 1. A lagoon to the east with shingle and sand and a gently sloping beach into the protected lagoon. 2. The famous 'Door' with a fine shingle beach to the west ideal for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. This beach shelves quite steeply at the water's edge.
Test the wind direction before choosing your beach and select either the protected warmer beach or the cooler windy one.
Getting to Durdle Door is by car. Take the A352 in the direction of Wareham to Winfrith Newburgh, turn right in front of the Red Lion Pub and follow the road to the church, take a left turn up the hill after about a mile and a half you reach 'Durdle Door Holiday Park'. Turn right into the park and go right through the camp site then the static caravans to the cliff top car park (Pay and Disply) at the far end. It is then a steep walk down the stone track to the beach, about 10-15 minute walk along the cliff top and then descend the steep steps to the beaches. The walk is worth it, the beaches are some of the most beautiful on the Jurassic coast, the views are spectacular. In August the beaches are busy but there is always plenty of space. The absence of commercialism, although in good weather there is usually a drinks and ice cream van on the cliffs, means that visitors will need to come prepared. There are no toilets or facilities after the holiday park.